27th Anniversary Of Northridge Earthquake Marked Sunday

NORTHRIDGE, CA — Sunday marked the 27th anniversary of the 1994 Northridge Earthquake, a magnitude 6.7-scale earthquake that that killed 72, injured 9,000, and cost $20 billion in damages, and left thousands without power.

The earthquake shook the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys in the early hours of Jan. 17, 1994, resulting in the costliest natural disaster in United States history, according to an American Red Cross statement. Numerous structures collapsed, including the Newhall Pass interchange for Highway 14 and Interstate 5.

On the 27th anniversary, high winds, critical fire weather, blackouts, the coronavirus pandemic, and widespread political unrest, and the ever-looming possibility of another massive earthquake, are all important reasons to prepare. The American Red Cross recommends a number of safety tips, including:

• Have enough food and water to last two weeks.
• Have an emergency kit with water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, a battery-powered radio, first-aid kit, and medication
• Plan with your household about what to do during emergency. Pick two spots to meet - one right outside the home and another outside the neighborhood - in case you are separated or evacuated.
• Learn what to do before, during, and after an earthquake or wildfire.
• Learn CPR.
• Downloading the Red Cross Emergency App, or text “GETEMERGENCY” to 90999.

“The Northridge earthquake shattered so many lives; it’s a day I will never forget,” Craig Renetzy of Tarzana, who volunteered for the Red Cross 27 years ago, told Pasadena Now. “It stands out most in my memory was my relief that I had planned ahead and was properly prepared for such a disaster. It’s one of the reasons I was able to help others. Everyone must be prepared to survive the next big Southern California earthquake.”

For more information, visit the Red Cross's earthquake preparation tips.

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